Chicksen signs for Seagulls

Adam Chicksen has today (Sunday) joined Brighton and Hove Albion for an undisclosed compensation fee.

The defender’s contract with the Dons expired at the end of June but he continued to train with the Club as he mulled over a new offer, which was made to the 22-year-old during the 2012/13 season.

In accordance with the Football League rules, the Dons are entitled to compensation due to Chicksen being under the age of 24.

The Dons had been in discussions with Chicksen, who came through the Dons’ successful Academy set-up, over a new deal however, the full-back opted to seek pastures new in the Championship by completing a switch to the Amex Stadium, putting pen-to-paper on a three-year deal with the Seagulls.

Milton Keynes-born Chicksen first made a name for himself when Roberto Di Matteo plucked him from the youth team and handed him his professional debut at Leicester City in 2008, aged just 16.

After such an early break through into the first team, Chicksen had to bide his time to reach a double figure of appearances for the Dons largely due to skipper Dean Lewington’s consistent performances at left-back.

In 2011/12 Chicksen joined League 1 Leyton Orient on a month-loan and was a big hit during his successful stint.

In the last two years the left-back played a bigger part in Robinsons plans and was an important asset as he adapted his game to play at right-back, as well as on both wings. Last season Chicksen netted his first professional goal in the Dons’ 6-1 win over Cambridge City in the FA Cup and he went on to score on two more occasions.

Chicksen made a total of 93 appearances for MK Dons during five seasons.

Speaking to mkdons.com, Robinson said: “Naturally, I am disappointed that Adam has chosen to leave for Brighton. I never thought that when we offered a contract all those months ago that Adam would not be with us for the start of the season, but Brighton have made the lad an offer which is too good for him to turn down.

“I have known Adam since he was 14 and have enjoyed coaching him throughout that time, he has always been a true professional and he made a large contribution to most of our games last season. I have no doubt that he will be a success with his new club.

“I do, however, think it is important that we all look on with pride to see yet another local lad who has come through the MK Dons Academy given the opportunity to step-up in the Football League pyramid. “

as one of our own.mkstadiumEveryone at MK Dons would like to thank Adam for his contribution to the Football Club and wish him the best of luck for the future. He will always be welcome back to